adj

hapless

HAP-lihs

adj

Unlucky, especially in a way that invites pity or mild amusement.

"The hapless intern spilled coffee on the CEO's desk during his first week."

"A hapless tourist wandered into the middle of the parade."

How to Use Hapless

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUnlucky or accident-prone, usually in a way that's a bit sad or comic rather than tragic.

Common pairings

a hapless victim the hapless hero hapless attempt

more hapless comparative, most hapless superlative

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The _____ intern spilled coffee on the CEO's desk during his first week.

From hap ("luck") plus the suffix -less ("without"), so literally "without luck."

strapless